Don't touch me

I'm sick. Not sure what I've come down with; it didn't start with a sore throat or runny nose like the occasional cold. At work this morning I felt like something went down the wrong pipe, and I've had some joint and low back discomfort this week, but those aren't unusual in and of themselves. After work I stopped to visit an elderly friend recovering from a hip replacement, then headed home to take advantage of a break in the rain to ride my horse. That's when I started coughing, and got worried. Not so much for myself, but for my friend who can't afford to be exposed to my germs. Since returning to the house I've had chills, most of my joints are complaining, and my skin is super-sensitive. Still, I managed to make a big pot of vegetable chowder so we won't starve, and vacuumed the great room because I couldn't stand the gritty floor one day longer. Now I'm headed to bed. Homeschool co-op is tomorrow, and I can't really get out of it. I think I'd better get a mask.

That's it from the sick ward (Rick is coughing, too) at . . .